Murrumbeena Wine Bar

THE VERDICT

There’s no need to venture out of the southeastern suburbs if you’re looking for a cosy little wine bar. Conveniently located right next to the train station, Murrumbeena Wine Bar is the female-owned joint that is making a name for itself by supporting and showcasing female musicians and bringing them to the forefront. Aside from having a huge selection of wines, spirits, beers and cocktails, music is most definitely on the menu, with live performances on several nights a week. 

 There is a diverse bar menu available, that ranges from smaller nibbles such as Sicilian sweet green olives and jalapeno Kikones corn kernels to larger grazing platters, suitable for both omni and vegan alike. Adorned with two artisanal kinds of cheese, salumi, pickles, figs, walnuts, fruit, lavosh and crackers, the platters will keep you occupied while the lineup of female talent takes the stage.

Also on offer are small plates, which include mac and cheese bites served with a smokey chipotle sauce, salt and pepper calamari with tartare, baked brie and crusty bread and Wagyu handmade cheeseburger spring rolls. Depending on the night you go in, they also collaborate with various restaurants including 458 Pizzeria for wood-fire oven pizzas, La Onda Latin Mex for cheese and spinach Empanadas and beef Empanadas, and Pie Thief for hot pies. 

The drinks list is where the wine bar comes into its own, with a tremendous selection on offer. They’ve just launched a new spring fling cocktail in honour of the season, a collaboration with Beena Grocer who’ve sourced the organic rhubarb used to make it; the cocktail is a mix of gin, mandarin liquor, lemon juice and soda, garnished with dehydrated citrus.

One of the biggest hits is the Nashi Martini, which won their staff cocktail competition; a blend of nashi pear liqueur, gin, lemon juice and honey syrup. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, they also have an extensive wine list, with natural wines as well, beers, ciders and seltzers on tap, gins and whiskeys.

The venue itself is located in an old English-style heritage building, with a deep green interior and gold finishes that perfectly set the vibe for the jazz and folk music that engulfs the space each week. The dark wood and the indoor plants are a comforting aesthetic, while outside, the beer garden, complete with a hand-painted mural that celebrates the historical Neerim Road, is perfect for kicking back on a summer night.

Image credit: Giorgia Maselli (supplied)

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